Fatal crash shakes community

Jordan Walters, 33, and his wife, Sierra Walters, 33, of Milan, lives were tragically taken Friday evening in a head-on collision on State Road 350 in Dearborn County while traveling to Lawrenceburg for a youth baseball tournament.

Jordan served as a coach of the Milan 8U All-Stars.

Before the first pitch was thrown Saturday at Todd Creech Memorial Field, the crowd fell silent.

Players, coaches and families gathered for a moment of silence in honor of Jordan and Sierra Walters and their two young sons, Knight and Kyro.

As the Versailles All-Stars prepared to take the field against the 8U Milan team, the PA announcer called out the first batter in the lineup.

“Batting first, #44 Knight Walters.”

Knight wasn’t there to step into the batter’s box.

Just hours earlier, the 6-year-old had survived a crash that claimed the lives of both of his parents. Knight and his younger brother Kyro were being treated for injuries at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

The tragedy sent shockwaves through Ripley County and the surrounding communities, where the couple were known as devoted parents, dedicated mentors and friends to many.

According to the Indiana State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 6 p.m. on Friday, June 12.

Investigators with the Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team said a 2006 Ford F-150 driven by Steven Witte, 46, of Moores Hill, was traveling westbound on State Road 350 when, for an unknown reason, the vehicle crossed the centerline and entered the eastbound lane.

The truck collided head-on with a 2017 GMC Terrain driven by Jordan Walters.

Following the collision, Witte’s vehicle spun and came to rest in the roadway. The Walters vehicle left the south side of the road and came to rest down an embankment. Witte sustained serious injuries and was transported to a Cincinnati-area hospital for treatment.

Jordan and Sierra Walters were pronounced dead at the scene by the Dearborn County Coroner’s Office.

Indiana State Police said the investigation remains ongoing, and toxicology results are pending. State Road 350 was closed for nearly four hours while emergency crews investigated the crash and cleared the scene.

As news of the tragedy spread, tributes began pouring in from friends, family members and community members struggling to comprehend the loss.

Among those mourning is Jordan’s identical twin brother, Jerad Walters, who also tragically lost his older brother Chandler in October 2015.

Jerad shared memories of the lifelong bond between he and his twin brother with the Osgood Journal.

“We always had a special connection,” Jerad said. “We could look at each other and know exactly what the other was thinking.”

The brothers shared a bedroom for 14 years and spent very little time apart until adulthood. One of Jerad’s earliest memories dates back to preschool when the twins were placed in separate classrooms.

“We would both run out of the classrooms over to the other’s classroom and stick our fingers under the door crying for each other,” he recalled.

As adults, that bond remained unchanged.

“Jordan and I talked multiple times every single day through phone calls and texts,” Jerad said.
While Jordan was known throughout the community for his involvement in youth sports, Jerad said his greatest source of pride was his family.

“Jordan and Sierra were the most proud and loving parents I’ve ever met,” he said. “Their family did everything together and wanted to be together at all times.”

The couple centered their lives around their sons, Knight and Kyro.

When Sierra opened a daycare from their home, Jerad said it was driven by her desire to spend as much time as possible with her boys while also helping other families.

“She wanted to always be with her boys but also bring peace to other parents knowing she would care for all those children as her own,” he said. “That’s the heart of gold and kindness and love she had not only for her kids, but all kids.”

“When we were young, he always dreamed of having boys one day,” Jerad said. “His dream came true and he was always calling me to tell me about both boys’ achievements, milestones and just to tell me how proud he was and how much he loved them.”

Jordan’s love of sports naturally extended to coaching his sons. Jordan also served in the Indiana National Guard and was honorably discharged after completing his service commitment. He coached Knight in baseball, football and soccer and coached Kyro’s baseball team this season during the youngster’s first year in organized sports.

Despite the many roles Jordan filled throughout his life, Jerad said his brother’s defining characteristic was his generosity.

“Jordan had the biggest heart and would do anything to help anyone,” he said. “Both he and Sierra’s life missions were to shower their boys in love and happiness as a family, and it was evident to everyone who knew them.”

That devotion was evident Saturday morning as teammates, coaches and families gathered to honor a family whose impact extended far beyond the game.

While the community mourns the loss of Jordan and Sierra, many continue to pray for the recovery of Knight and Kyro as they begin the difficult journey ahead without their parents.

A “Jordan and Sierra Walters Benefit Account” has been established at all Napoleon State Bank locations throughout southeast Indiana. A community benefit for the Walters’ children is currently being planned for July 18 at the Versailles American Legion.

Funeral arrangements for Jordan and Sierra Walters are pending through Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home as family, friends and community members continue to rally around Knight and Kyro during the difficult days ahead.

Julie Pollock Elliott- Assistant Editor